[poss11]

Hi, I am new to the forums and need some help. I found out today that I am pregnant. I had a miscarriage over a year ago (8 weeks). Basically I read through ttc forums a lot and I read about people taking progesterone to support pregnancy. Anyway, I went to two doc's today (talk about being paranoid) and both of them dismissed any claim that a progesterone test was needed. I am confused, how come I read of so many women doing this??

The both told me there is nothing they can do to prevent miscarriage (which I get in the case of abnormal chromosones) and that there is no scientific proof that it will help with the outcome. I think they both thought I was a paranoid nut! They said your body will produce it naturally and no two women's levels are the same. I don't really have any choice as I can't keep going to doc's as it's expensive where I live and the chemist doesn't sell the cream like they do in the U.S. I am trying to be relaxed and I am finding it hard as I already deal with terrible anxiety.

Any opinions on this or has anyone been through the same worry? Thanks xx

[Magenta_]

Hi Poss,

Just came across your post and thought I would mention what I know. I hope it helps.

I have been through IVF and was on Crinone (progesterone) twice a day for a couple of weeks. This happened twice after fresh transfers of embryos (i.e. directly after they have "harvested" and fertilised the eggs and placed an embryo back in). My understanding is that this is because during IVF your body doesn't produce hormones like it would naturally. The first of these cycles (whilst on Crinone) resulted in a chemical PG and the 2nd time was a BFN. My 3rd IVF attempt was a frozen embryo transfer so they just let your body do what it would naturally (which yours is doing) so I was on no progesterone support - and I am currently 18 weeks.

Importantly, it is a prescription medication which to my knowledge is only given when you're going through IVF or have a diagnosed issue with a "luteal phase defect".

Also it is AWFUL stuff, and most women who've been on it wish they didn't have to. There are physical and emotional side effects... not to mention the lovely "cottage cheese buildup" which occurs after you've been on it for a while. There are also serious risks associated with taking it.

Here's the medical fact sheet:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/b...le/sgccrino.pdf

I would imagine that the doctors you saw could find no reason to prescribe this in your situation. MCs are terrible things to go through, much more common than anyone talks about and happen for a wide variety of reasons. I understand you wanting to do whatever you can to prevent it happening again but it seems like there is no reason why, in your case, Progesterone would make it more likely to "stick". That's just not how this stuff works unfortunately.

There are a lot of drugs in the USA you can get without prescription but even the Crinone USA website states "There is no evidence that CRINONE 8% will work in preventing miscarriage." (www.crinoneusa.com).

I know it's really difficult, especially after a loss, but it seems like you just need to trust your body as much as you can. Just because it has happened before doesn't mean it will happen again and self-medicating when it's not needed won't ensure a positive or negative outcome.

And by the way, CONGRATULATIONS! I really hope everything goes perfectly for you this time around.

Take care,
Magenta

[Magenta_]

Oh... and P.S.

Internet forums can be a wonderful support but they can also help you go crazy!

Just think, of the 1 person who posts about being on progesterone support (and wished they weren't) there would have to be at least 9,999 others who were not on it because they didn't need to be. In the vast VAST VAST majority of cases our bodies produce it naturally.

This post has been edited by Magenta_: 26/01/2013, 12:14 AM

[Wildence]

first of all, congratulations!!

As far as i know they will only do further testing if you had more than 3 miscarriages... without further testing they can not tell for sure whether you do need progesterone or if it is something else.

if you are paranoid, i would suggest to do an early scan to check for a HB. you are 8 weeks pregnant, and can book a scan for any day now, as after 6 - 7 weeks, HB should be detectable.

But really try not to stress, miscarriages are super common unfortunately
Stress and worry is not good for a little one there, but instead i would suggest to try to be happy and eat healthy

Good luck!

[poss11]

Thanks Magenta for your post! It helps to know you have achieved your pregnancy without the progesterone. Congratulations to you too:) I know I should stop worrying and I feel I am being too negative which can't be good for mine or the baby's health. I will try to stay positive and think of only good things! Good luck in your pregnancy

[poss11]

Thanks for your reply Wildence! I will aim to be less paranoid as it will drive me and my Husband mad:) Thank you ladies you have made me feel better already x

[queeney]

Just wanted to add I was on progesterone when I did ivf, and similar to theabove story some cycles worked achieving healthy babies and others didn't. I truly didn't believe the progesterone was the reason why I fell and stayed pregnant in the times that I did.

Congratulations and try to relax. Take care x